Narcissistic, but in a Good Way: While the Glut of Online Journals and Blogs Grows Exponentially Every Day. There Exist Messages of Value to Questioning Youths

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Gen Y is is the most narcissistic ever, and that's cause for concern, according to a recent and much-reported scientific study led by San Diego State University professor Jean Twenge. Her team of psychologists drew their conclusions after analyzing the answers of nearly 16,500 college students who between 1982 and 2006 took a standardized test called the Narcissistic Personality Inventory.

The test seeks responses to statements like "If I ruled the world, it would be a better place," "I think I am a special person," and "I can live my life any way I want to." It turns out NPI scores have been rising ever since the test was introduced in 1982. Back then just one third of respondents scored above average; in 2006 it was two thirds. That's a whole lot of self-involvement.

If you've spent any time on MySpace or YouTube or LiveJoumal, this won't come as a surprise. You could blow a gasket even trying to imagine the millions of "special" souls online yakking about meeting a cute boy or dyeing their hair or barfing up a hamburger. It's a global case of TMI--too much information.